Downstream Messaging for Endpoint Command Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems require major revisions and firmware updates to transmit commands to endpoints, leading to expense and inefficiency, especially when existing firmware does not support command transmission.

Innovation Solution

A distributed-intelligence agent-configuration service that uses existing data structures to send configuration information and commands to endpoints, allowing for firmware-independent transmission of commands and configuration updates, leveraging a shared infrastructure for both purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing firmware is used without updates, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to transmit commands to endpoints is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand transmission capabilityVSAvoidfirmware update requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration message structure is designed to serve dual purposes: it can carry both configuration parameters and executable commands. The same downstream messaging infrastructure used for device configuration is now universally used for both configuration and command transmission, eliminating the need for separate command protocols or firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a message format with specific data structure elements (feature identifier, parameter identifier, value) that acts as an intermediary mechanism. This structured message format enables the transmission of commands through the existing configuration channel, bridging the gap between the limited firmware capability and the need for command transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complete firmware update is implemented, then command transmission capability is achieved, but expense and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand transmission capabilityVSAvoidfirmware update time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing a standardized message format that can accommodate both configuration and commands. This preliminary setup allows future command transmissions to occur without requiring additional firmware updates, saving time in the long run.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration message structure is designed to serve dual purposes: it can carry both configuration parameters and executable commands. The same downstream messaging infrastructure used for device configuration is now universally used for both configuration and command transmission, eliminating the need for separate command protocols or firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate command infrastructure is created, then command transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmessaging infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration message structure is designed to serve dual purposes: it can carry both configuration parameters and executable commands. The same downstream messaging infrastructure used for device configuration is now universally used for both configuration and command transmission, eliminating the need for separate command protocols or firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the configuration and command transmission functions into a single unified messaging system. By combining these two previously separate functions into one infrastructure, the system reduces complexity while maintaining reliability through the structured message format that includes feature identifiers, parameter identifiers, and values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11005713B2Downstream messaging to configure endpoints and transmit commands

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 ITRON INC

AI summary

Techniques for transmitting messages to send configuration information, and/or commands, to features, agents, applications and/or other aspects of endpoints and/or networked computing devices. In an example, server, a host of an analytics platform, or other computing device may send messages within a network to an endpoint that is remote from the computing device. In the example, a first message may be sent to a first agent operating on the endpoint, wherein the first message directs configuration of a first feature of the first agent. The computing device may receive consumption data from the endpoint, which may be monitored and/or analyzed by the analytics platform of the computing device. In the example, a second message may be sent to a second agent operating on the endpoint, wherein the second message has a parameter that allows free-format data, and wherein a command is encoded within the parameter.